I had all those questions & more. These two web sites say that the sidewall is 4.8", but I am measuring more like 3.75". It is definitely a low profile tire similiar in diameter to the factory 22" tire.

In order for you to get a tire with a taller sidewall, you'd have to go to a 305-45-22...the Nitto Terra Grappler comes in that size, but costs more than the Cooper. I've seen the 45 series tire next to my 40 series & you can't tell the difference.

Anything larger than the 45 series & you'll have to use a levelling/lift kit. I would have done that if I was commuting so far because they affect fuel economy as well as the tires.

Our rims are 22x9's. I spoke to several tire shops & talked with other guys on the forums about this & found everyone agreeing that there was no issue with going with the 305 on a 9" wide rim. Apparently the manufacturers under estimate the size minimums.

I've been commuting back & forth to work an hour each way for two years now even during the winter & have had no issues present themselves.

What's nice about the wider tire is that you get a little bit of rubber now protecting the rim. With the factory tires, there's no room for error in touching a curb cuz it'll be your rim that takes the hit and not the tire.

The wear has been great & my fuel economy has not really been effected that I can tell....but that may be due to the fact that my diameter didn't change going with the Zeon LTZ's.